Spatial Diffusion of D Atoms in Solid D₂ Films

We present experimental measurements of the spatial diffusion of deuterium (D) atoms in films of solid D₂ at T < 1K. The method of electron spin resonance (ESR), at frequency 128 GHz and magnetic field 4.6 T was utilized in these experiments. D atoms were produced within a thin layer below the films’ surface by continuous bombardment of electrons produced from radio frequency (RF) discharge maintained in the sample cell. Analysis of the evolution of the ESR spectra of the deuterium atoms in the sample, provides insight into the spatial diffusion of the D atoms within the D₂ films.